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Optimistic Phillies among teams to watch Wilson throw

Optimistic Phillies among teams to watch Wilson throw

ST. LOUIS -- With a strong performance this week in St. Louis and Detroit, the Phillies could be buyers before the July 31 Trade Deadline.

If they perform poorly, it seems likely they will sell.

The Phillies still believe they have a chance to make the postseason, which is why they will watch free-agent relief pitcher Brian Wilson throw Thursday in Los Angeles. Wilson is 15 months removed from Tommy John surgery. He threw Monday for the Giants, but Thursday's session is expected to include numerous teams looking for bullpen help.

The Phillies certainly are one of them. Their bullpen entered Tuesday's series opener against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium with a 4.36 ERA, which is the third-worst mark in baseball.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.